Your old laptop still functions, but it freezes up when you open more than a few tabs. It can play some of your games, but it struggles with them unless you put them on potato settings.
The more you think about it, the more you feel like a new laptop is in order. You need one that's Intel Evo design certified. Not only are these laptops fast, but they're also lightweight and easy to carry around.
They have a long battery life, and the responsiveness is out of this world. Are you ready for the next generation in technology? Check out this guide to learn about the best Intel Evo laptops that are on the market today.
What Is Intel Evo?
Before we talk about laptop models, let's discuss the Evo platform itself. It's a brand new category of laptops that started up in September of 2020.
They are premium computers that are advertised to keep up with a person's busy lifestyle. The question is, can these laptops actually live up to the challenge? Is this a real upgrade, or is it the same kind of laptop we've always gotten with a pretty badge on it?
Benefits of the Platform
To answer the questions above, we're happy to say that these laptops indeed do as advertised. In order for a manufacturer to be able to put the Intel Evo sticker on their computer, they have to meet some pretty strict requirements.
Intel is so strict about which systems make the cut, in fact, that it's sort of a badge of honor to be included in the lineup. Here's what you can expect when you turn on the machine.
Quick Processors
One of the things that Intel Evo laptops are known for is quick processing speeds. Each one has an 11th gen Tiger Lake Core i5 or i7.
This little chip offers a smoother performance than what you can get from the other Intel computers on the market. If you're someone that enjoys watching videos on the internet, you'll be happy to know that an Evo laptop will be able to load them 3 times as fast as the computer you're using now.
Fast Wake up Time
When you shut the lid to your laptop, it doesn't turn off all the way. It only powers down for a quick nap until you need to use it again. Many computers are a little sluggish when you try to wake them up.
It can take several seconds for you to see your desktop screen. Evo-certified laptops are raring to go as soon as you open your PC's lid. It takes about a second for these laptops to power on.
Fast Wired Connections
Every Evo laptop has Thunderbolt 4 connections. When you transfer data over to the computer from a flash drive or external hard drive, expect the process to take seconds.
The Thunderbolt supports all forms of connection, from USB to HDMI. Even the laptop's charger uses Thunderbolt instead of some other more outdated connection method.
Fast Wireless Connections
You have several papers due within the next few days and a report that has to be on your boss's desk by the end of the week. You don't have time for a slow internet connection. Intel knows your struggles, which is why every Evo-certified laptop must offer Wi-Fi 6.
Wi-Fi 6 has both a reliable and fast connection. This is true, no matter if you're working on a single laptop or if you have several devices in one household fighting over the Wi-Fi connection.
If your router isn't equipped with the latest in technology, you'll still get to take advantage of the fast connection speed that comes with Wi-Fi 6 to a point. We do recommend upgrading when you can.
Long Battery Life and Short Charge Times
One of the main reasons why anyone buys a laptop is its portability. They give you the power to work from your couch or in your favorite coffee shop.
There's only one problem. There will come a time when you inevitably need to start searching around for an outlet. You can't always guarantee you'll have access to one.
While Intel Evo laptops can't stop the eventual battery drain, they can put it off. One of the key experience indicators of these computers is a battery life that lasts over 9 hours.
When you do let the battery die, it will charge back up quickly. You can regain four hours of usage after only letting the computer charge for 30 minutes.
Best Audio and Video
If you work from home, you know the importance of having high-quality audio and a crisp screen resolution. You need a computer with these features to participate in video calls.
Intel requires every laptop in their Evo lineup to have at least a 1080p screen resolution. The webcam must render at 720p HD. There are also standards in place for the speakers and microphone.
Slim and Sleek
If you're using your laptop for school or work, you're going to be carrying it around in a bag a lot. You don't need a computer that's so bulky it makes your shoulder ache.
The 11th generation chips are thinner than the previous intel chips. That means the laptops are slimmer as well. Most of the computers in the Evo lineup are 15-millimeter 2-in-1s.
Touch Screen
Touchscreens aren't a feature that everyone needs. In fact, for the most part, all this feature stands to do is drain your laptop battery.
If you do any kind of photo work, however, having a touchscreen is a godsend. You can use the stylus to bring all of your creations to life on the screen.
Responsiveness
When you turn on your computer, you can't begin using it right away. You have to let it boot first. For many computers, this process takes a decade.
For laptops with the 11th generation chips, it only takes a few seconds. It's not only the bootup time that's fast. When you click on an application, it responds right away.
Other Specifications
Intel laptops don't only have a top-of-the-line CPU. Everything about the hardware is high-quality. You're getting a system that has 8GB of RAM or more.
They offer SSD storage and secure biometric login technology. The graphics card isn't anything to sneeze at either. Since so many laptop companies are in the Intel Evo lineup, they're easy to find.
There's only one problem that you may have with these advanced computers. A machine with so many features can hurt the wallet. The most affordable model is still over 700 dollars.
Best Evo Laptops
Now that you know all the features that Intel Evo has to offer, it's time to start shopping around for a computer. There are several great companies in the lineup, from Asus to Lenovo.
ASUS ZenBook S
With a laptop as thin as the Asus ZenBook, you would think that it would fall apart if you were to drop it, but it's pretty sturdy. The magnesium alloy used in the construction keeps the computer lightweight and portable while not skimping on durability.
Like most computers in the Intel Evo lineup, the ZenBook has a touchscreen and hyperfast SSD storage. You won't have to worry about not being able to see what you're doing in the dark. This laptop comes with a backlit keyboard.
The standard amount of RAM that you should look for in a computer is 4GB. The ZenBook has 16GB. The screen is only 13.9 inches, which seems tiny, but you'll still have plenty of screen real estate to work with.
Razer Book 13
Next up on the list is the Razer Book 13. This computer is designed with both portability and functionality in mind. The CNC aluminum body makes it both lightweight and durable.
It offers THX Spatial Audio for the ultimate in surround sound. The computer is famous for its amazing audio output. The Razer Book is compatible with most external devices.
That's because it has the ports to spare. It also has top-of-the-line graphics and instant wake-up technology. You'll be able to get ten hours of battery life out of this machine before it's time to start looking around for an outlet.
Most computers with all these features would overheat on you, but not the Razer Book. It has a built-in vapor chamber that keeps the laptop nice and cool.
ASUS ZenBook Flip S
First of all, the ASUS ZenBook is beautiful to look at. It's got a red diamond copper cut design that complements the black finish quite well.
On top of being sleek and gorgeous, it is also a pretty versatile machine. It's packed with an amazing graphics card that will allow you to do some gaming.
The keyboard is comfortable to use for long periods of time. It has a dual-function touchpad with a LED numeric keypad. It has a powerful SSD and 16GB of RAM.
You'll be able to use the computer off the charger for 15 hours. The touchscreen is a bit small, but it's got an amazing resolution. It offers plenty of USB ports and BlueTooth connectivity as well.
Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 14
Gaming, photo editing, internet browsing, the Lenovo Yoga has the power to do it all. Not only does it have the 11th generation processor, but Iris X graphics as well.
It comes complete with SSD storage and 12GB of RAM. It has a 14-inch high-resolution display that uses anti-glare technology. If you're looking for a laptop with security, this one comes with a privacy shutter that you can put over the webcam.
You would think that a computer that packs all this power would be a bit on the bulky side, but it's not. It still has a lightweight 2-in-1 chassis. You can get it from www.lenovo.com.
MSI Prestige 14
Like the Lenovo Yoga, the MSI Prestige also has an anti-glare display. It has a backlit keyboard that makes working in the dark a snap.
The display is 14 inches, but it's still thin and easy to carry around. The 720 HD webcam is perfect for video calls. The audio comes out nice and crisp.
It offers plenty of connectivity for your external devices. If you're worried about someone breaking into your computer, you'll be happy to know that the MSI Prestige uses fingerprint login.
Acer Swift 5
With the 11th generation processor and fast internet connection speed, you'll never have to worry about having too many tabs open again. The Acer Swift can handle anything you throw at it.
The chassis uses both magnesium-aluminum and magnesium-lithium alloy in its design. This makes the laptop both lightweight and durable. It only weighs about 2 pounds, so your shoulder can breathe easy.
It has the Cortana voice recognition system. Like many laptops in the Intel lineup, this one has an instant wake from sleep feature. The colors on the display are vibrant.
You'll get to enjoy the power of 16GB of RAM and a single TB of SSD. You'll have connectivity ports to spare. If you want to use the laptop to do a little gaming after a long day's work, the graphics card will make that simple.
Pick Up an Intel Evo Laptop and See the Difference
As you can see, Intel Evo laptops can do it all. You can use them to tackle your college work, do some gaming, or edit videos. Since intel has so many strict requirements for the computers in the Evo lineup, you're sure to get a great machine no matter what you buy.
Consider picking up one of the amazing laptops listed here, and for tips that will help you make the most out of your new machine, feel free to explore the rest of our blog.